Driver Inattention - Cellphones

Why is it that every time a cell phone buzzes or rings that some people think they must immediately respond? According to the National Safety Council cellphones are becoming more and more of a problem. 80% of all crashes are caused by driver inattention, and people using cell phones (100 million use them while driving) are 4 times more likely to be in a crash. Cell phone use may contribute to 636,000 crashes annually and more than 2,600 deaths.

Today one of our clients was in for a recorded statement requested by their uninsured motorist carrier, a fairly routine matter. Naturally we spent time with the client beforehand, reviewed the accident report prepared by the police, and assured them we would be on the call the entire time. It was an uneventful, straightforward interview and our client did great.  Guess what one of the questions was by the adjuster? That's right, "Were you talking on your cell phone?"

If the cell phone rings or buzzes while you are driving, ignore it. There will be time later. The odds are that there is no call that is important enough to put yourself and others at risk. 

For more information on the National Safety Council's position, click here.